Lithium supply set to explode

GLOBAL lithium supply is set to triple over the next four years with the lions share mined in Australia, according to GlobalData research.

The data and analytics firm said 86,000 tonnes of new lithium capacity will come online until 2022, with Australia accounting for 37 per cent of supply followed by Argentina (29 per cent), Canada (16 per cent), Chile (9 per cent), the US (6 per cent), and Mexico (4 per cent).

“After moderate growth in lithium supply between 2010 and 2017 of 6.4 per cent per annum, global output is expected to triple between 2018 and 2022 to reach 154,000t (metal content), as 86,000t of new metal capacity comes on stream to meet the increasing demand for the metal for use in batteries in electric vehicles and smartphones,” GlobalData mining analyst Sameer Chakravarthy said.

WA production is expected to explode in coming years with ramp up at Pilbara Minerals and Altura Mining’s Pilgangoora projects and Tawana Resources’ Bald Hill mine, an expansion at Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes mine, and mine openings at Mineral Resources’ Wodgina and Kidman Resources’ Mt Holland projects.